Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter and Easy Gravy

 Ingredients Breakdown and Substitutions

This slow cooker boneless turkey breast recipe is both simple and flexible, relying on a few core ingredients that work together to create rich, comforting flavors. Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient and possible substitutions to suit your taste, dietary needs, or pantry availability.

Boneless Turkey Breast

• The star of the recipe, a 2.5–3 pound boneless turkey breast cooks evenly and fits perfectly in most crockpots.

• You can use fresh or frozen turkey breast; just make sure to fully thaw if frozen. For safe thawing, place it in the refrigerator for 24–48 hours.

• For an in-depth look at turkey meat varieties and usage, see boneless turkey breast.

Olive Oil

• Helps the seasoning mix adhere to the meat and adds moisture.

• Substitute with avocado oil, melted butter, or even garlic-infused oil for added flavor.

Salt and Black Pepper

• Essential for drawing out moisture and enhancing the turkey’s natural flavor.

• Use kosher or sea salt for better control; freshly ground black pepper brings more aromatic heat.

Garlic Powder and Onion Powder

• Provide a savory, umami base that complements the herbs.

• Substitute with freshly minced garlic or onion slices in the bottom of the slow cooker for deeper flavor.

• Explore more about garlic’s health benefits and how it enhances poultry.

Dried Thyme and Dried Rosemary

• These earthy, aromatic herbs add depth and warmth to the dish.

• You can replace them with fresh herbs at a 3:1 ratio (1 teaspoon dried = 1 tablespoon fresh).

• Both herbs are classic poultry pairings; see more ideas in garlic herb butter recipes.

Paprika

• Adds mild sweetness and a touch of color. Use smoked paprika for a deeper, more robust flavor.

Low-Sodium Chicken Broth

• Keeps the turkey moist and serves as the base for the gravy.

• Swap with vegetable broth, turkey broth, or a white wine and broth blend.

• Learn more about traditional gravy preparation using pan drippings and broth for added context.

This simple ingredient list not only makes for a delicious slow cooker turkey breast but also allows for creative modifications based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Garlic Herb Boneless Turkey Breast in the Crockpot

This recipe is incredibly straightforward, with each step designed to maximize flavor and retain moisture in your boneless turkey breast. Here’s exactly how to do it:

Prepping the Turkey Breast

• Start by patting the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This step ensures the seasonings stick and helps the exterior brown better if broiling later.

• In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and paprika.

• Rub olive oil all over the turkey, then coat thoroughly with the seasoning mix. If your turkey has skin, gently lift it and season underneath for even more flavor.

Layering the Crockpot

• Place the seasoned turkey breast in the slow cooker, skin-side up if it has skin.

• Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the crockpot—not over the meat. This helps prevent the seasoning from washing off and allows the broth to collect flavorful drippings for the gravy.

Cooking Time and Temperature

• Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• Use a digital meat thermometer to check doneness accurately. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat without touching bone (if any).

Optional Broiling Step

• For crisp edges and beautiful browning, transfer the cooked turkey to a baking sheet and broil for 4–5 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.

• This final step gives the turkey an oven-roasted finish, perfect for presentation.

For additional guidance and inspiration, browse more crockpot turkey breast variations to see how others adapt the technique with different spices and garnishes.

 Making the Easy Gravy from Drippings

One of the most rewarding parts of this recipe is the simple, flavorful gravy you can make from the turkey drippings in the crockpot.

Step-by-Step Gravy Instructions

• After removing the turkey, pour the liquid from the bottom of the slow cooker into a small saucepan.

• Skim off any excess fat using a spoon or fat separator.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (or flour) with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.

• Bring the drippings to a simmer, then whisk in the slurry. Stir continuously until the gravy thickens—usually within 3–5 minutes.

• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. For a richer flavor, add a small pat of butter or a splash of cream.

This easy gravy takes just minutes and enhances the overall dish, making it ideal for special occasions or cozy meals. You can also learn more about classic gravy techniques to customize it further.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Pairings

This garlic herb slow cooker turkey breast pairs well with a wide range of side dishes, from comforting classics to light and modern options.

Classic Holiday Sides

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Green bean casserole

• Traditional stuffing or dressing

• Buttery dinner rolls

Lighter and Healthier Options

• Roasted seasonal vegetables (carrots, Brussels sprouts, squash)

• Fresh green salad with vinaigrette

• Quinoa or wild rice pilaf

Creative Pairings

• Serve with homemade cranberry sauce or a tangy apple chutney

• Add over open-faced sandwiches with gravy for leftovers

Need ideas to complete your menu? Explore more Thanksgiving dinner ideas for curated inspiration based on this dish.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Proper storage is key to enjoying this meal throughout the week or freezing for future dinners.

• Refrigerate leftover turkey in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Store the gravy separately.

• Reheat in the microwave with a splash of broth or gravy to retain moisture. For best results, reheat in a covered baking dish at 325°F.

• Freeze sliced turkey in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Label with the date and portion sizes. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

 Tips for Meal Prep and Make Ahead

This recipe is excellent for meal prep or preparing ahead of time for holidays.

• Season ahead: Rub the turkey with oil and spices up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate in a sealed container.

• Cook in advance: Prepare the entire dish a day early, then reheat slices in the oven or slow cooker insert.

• Use leftovers wisely: Add to turkey sandwiches, grain bowls, turkey noodle soup, or wraps with fresh greens.

For more ideas, explore make ahead Thanksgiving tips to reduce stress and maximize flavor.

 Recipe Variations

Want to make it your own? Try these easy variations.

• Add aromatics: Place sliced onions, garlic cloves, or lemon wedges under and around the turkey in the slow cooker.

• Switch up the herbs: Use sage, marjoram, or Italian seasoning instead of rosemary and thyme.

• Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chili flakes for a spicy twist.

• Butter it differently: Mix garlic herb butter with Dijon mustard or lemon zest for added tang.

Explore garlic herb butter recipes for more flavorful ideas.

Slow Cooker vs. Oven Roasting

Both methods can yield delicious results, but they serve different needs.

Slow Cooker Advantages

• Keeps turkey juicy and tender without constant monitoring

• Doesn’t require oven space—ideal for holidays

• Minimal cleanup

Oven Roasting Pros

• Can produce crispier skin and roasted flavor

• Shorter cooking time at higher temperatures

• Easier to brown all sides evenly

Not sure which method suits your needs? Learn more about slow cooker cooking techniques to compare textures and outcomes.

 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to get the most out of your turkey:

• Not drying the meat before seasoning—it prevents good browning

• Overcooking—check internal temp at 4.5–5 hours

• Using too much liquid—just ½ cup is enough for steam and drippings

• Skipping seasoning under the skin, if your breast has skin

 FAQs – People Also Ask

Can I cook a boneless turkey breast from frozen in the slow cooker?
No, it’s not recommended. For food safety, the USDA advises thawing meat before placing it in the slow cooker to avoid bacteria growth. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

How long does it take to cook turkey breast in a crockpot?
For a 2.5–3 lb boneless breast, cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature.

How do you keep turkey breast moist in the slow cooker?
Use broth, cook on low heat, and avoid overcooking. Resting the meat before slicing helps retain juices.

What can I use instead of chicken broth?
Vegetable broth, turkey stock, or a mix of white wine and water all work well. You can also use water with a bouillon cube.

Is it better to cook turkey breast on high or low in a crockpot?
Low heat is best for even cooking and tender, juicy meat. High heat may lead to dry or unevenly cooked turkey.

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